Laser Treatment for Rosacea

Reduce Facial Redness and Visible Blood Vessels

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause persistent facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, particularly across the cheeks, nose, chin, and central face.

While rosacea cannot be cured, laser treatment can target the visible blood vessels and persistent redness associated with the condition, helping create a more even skin tone.

At Kessel Dermatology, we use the Excel V+™ laser by Cutera to treat vascular concerns associated with rosacea.

How Does Excel V+ Treat Rosacea?

The redness associated with rosacea is often caused by dilated or visible blood vessels beneath the skin.

Excel V+ uses laser energy at wavelengths that target hemoglobin within these blood vessels. The targeted vessels absorb the laser energy and are heated, causing them to close. The body then gradually clears the treated vessels.

Because the laser settings can be adjusted according to the size, depth, and appearance of the vessels being treated, treatment can be customized for different patterns of facial redness.

What Rosacea Concerns Can Laser Treatment Improve?

Excel V+ may help improve vascular signs of rosacea, including:

• Persistent facial redness
• Visible facial blood vessels
• Telangiectasias
• Redness across the cheeks and nose
• Uneven skin tone caused by vascular redness

Laser treatment does not address every component of rosacea. Patients who also experience bumps, pustules, eye symptoms, or other manifestations of rosacea may require additional medical treatment.

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

Before treatment, your skin and pattern of redness will be evaluated to determine whether Excel V+ is appropriate.

During the procedure, the laser handpiece is placed over the treatment area and pulses of laser energy are delivered to the targeted vessels.

Depending on the settings being used, you may feel warmth or a sensation similar to a light snap against the skin. Excel V+ incorporates cooling technology to help protect the skin and improve comfort.

Treatment generally takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments needed varies according to the severity of the redness and the size, depth, and number of blood vessels being treated.

Some superficial vessels and areas of diffuse redness may show significant improvement after one treatment, while other patients benefit from a series of treatments.

Because rosacea is a chronic condition, new redness or visible vessels may develop over time, and maintenance treatment may eventually be desired.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Temporary redness and swelling can occur following laser treatment. Some patients may also experience bruising, depending on the vessels treated and treatment settings used.

A temporary raised or “bug bite” appearance may occur in treated areas and typically resolves with time.

More significant reactions, including blistering, are uncommon but possible.

Your expected response and post-treatment instructions will be discussed based on the treatment being performed.

Is Excel V+ Appropriate for My Skin?

Laser treatment for rosacea should be customized according to your skin type, degree of redness, and the characteristics of the vessels being treated.

Excel V+ offers adjustable wavelengths and treatment parameters that allow treatment to be tailored to the individual patient.

Your skin will be evaluated before treatment to determine whether Excel V+ is appropriate for you.

What Can I Do to Help Control Rosacea?

Laser treatment can improve existing redness and visible vessels, but managing rosacea also involves reducing the factors that contribute to future flares.

Triggers vary from person to person but may include sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, stress, and certain skincare products.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and an appropriate skincare routine are particularly important for patients with rosacea.

If your rosacea requires medical treatment in addition to laser therapy, those options can be discussed during your general dermatology visit.

How Much Does Laser Treatment for Rosacea Cost?

The cost of treatment depends on the extent and severity of your rosacea and the number of treatments recommended.

Your treatment plan and cost will be discussed after your skin has been evaluated.

Is Laser Treatment for Rosacea Right for You?

If persistent redness or visible facial vessels are a concern, Excel V+ may be an effective part of your rosacea treatment plan.

Schedule a consultation at Kessel Dermatology to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate for your skin and type of rosacea.

Learn More About Excel V+